Opening a Tudor

Ralf and Jutta Hilpuesch love the European charm of their two-story Tudor, but the claustrophobic floor plan leaves them flat.

Before

Before

After

They want to take their galley-style kitchen, powder room and breakfast nook and transform them into a contemporary, open kitchen. Architect Chuck Cook is up for the challenge and he isn’t afraid to break through some barriers to get there.

His plan calls for tearing down all the walls separating the three rooms, creating one large space. Sleek birch cabinets are capped by black granite countertops and an island that doubles as an eating area is in the center of the room. Limestone tiles give the space some texture and stainless steel appliances bring modern conveniences to Ralf and Jutta's fingertips.